On testLightweight Buggies
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Cosatto Hula
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Graco Mojo |
Maclaren
Quest Mod |
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About this test
If you've ever tried to lug a bulky travel system through customs, you'll know just how precious a good lightweight buggy can be - especially during the summer when travel, days out and fun in the sun is in abundance.
Our panel of mums have spent two months testing six lightweight buggies - from super-light, basic options ('perfect for holidays and public transport') to more extensive models with lots of special features ('good if you plan to use long term or require lots of storage space').
The panel agree that it's essential to 'think about what you're going to use the buggy for - if it's just for getting from A-B, the no frills buggies seem to do the job well at a fraction of the price'.
They also found that the 'all singing all dancing models are quite expensive and generally mean a compromise on weight and portability'.
We tested for
- Ease of Use
- Quality/durability
- Extra features
- Recline mechanism
- Weight
Points to consider
Weight
It might be a bit of an obvious one, but weight really does vary with buggies. Just because it says 'lightweight' on the label, doesn't necessarily mean it'll be easy for you to lift and carry - especially if you have a basketful of shopping and a heavy toddler on board.
Our panel found that weights vary 'massively between each model' and advise to 'check the weight before you buy as you'll end up casting it aside if it's too heavy and awkward to use'.
Our panel found the Cosatto Hula the lightest whilst the Graco Mojo and Micralite were 'quite heavy and cumbersome in comparison'.
Fold
Our panel found the 'buggies with stronger fold clips were harder to put up as the clips had a tendency to refasten before you had the chance to click it into place'. The exception to this finding was the Maclaren Quest and Silver Cross POP which both offered 'strong clips and an easy fold mechanism that you can operate with one hand'.
All of the buggies tested were relatively compact, with the exception
of the Micralite and surprisingly the Cosatto
which, although small was long when folded and wouldn't fit in the boot
of a small car.
Recline
A smooth recline will mean lots of extra shut-eye whilst on the move, especially if it has the handy knack of reclining completely flat. Our panel liked the Graco Mojo and Maclaren Quest for their 'easily adjustable recline mechanisms that makes sleeping on the go a doddle'.
The Silver Cross POP was another buggy that performed well in this category and our panel were most impressed with the different recline positions and adjustable footrest.
Extra Features
Sun canopies, rain covers and footmuffs are just some of the extra features you can expect to get with a lightweight. What might initially seem like a good deal can be an expensive mistake if you have to buy all the accessories separately so check up front what the model includes.
Our panel recommend you 'ensure the buggy has a hood that provides a good amount of cover for your child - especially during summer.' They found that the hoods 'varied enormously, from the Micralite which provided very little cover to the Cosatto Hula which was excellent at keeping the sun at bay'.
Another feature to look out for is storage. 'If you're a keen shopper - look for buggies with large baskets and extra storage pockets'.
Our panel liked the Mamas & Papas Ziko and Graco Mojo for their spacious and easily accessible baskets that make shopping on the go refreshingly easy'.
Durability
Buggies get bashed around more than any other piece of baby equipment so if you're planning to use it long term, look for something durable that will stand the test of time. A solid chassis, wipe-clean materials and sturdy wheels will serve you well, as will good quality accessories and an easy fold mechanism.
Our panel found the Maclaren Quest Silver Cross POP and Mamas & Papas Ziko three of the best in terms of quality and felt 'they'd last more than one baby without showing any major signs of wear and tear'.
Awards - which products won?
The Best Buy award went to the Maclaren Questfor its 'all-round versatility, high comfort value and excellent portability'. Best Value went to the Cosatto Hula- 'a neat and compact buggy that does exactly what it proposes at a really low price'.
See how the other models faired in the full test results
Where to next:
- Full test results
- Read the reviews:
Cosatto Hula
Graco Mojo
Maclaren Quest Mod
Mamas & Papas Ziko
Micralite Fastfold
Silver Cross POP
- Read and add your own reviews
- Add a review and you could win a prize
- Chat to other mums in our product talk forum
- Visit the babyworld shop
